ONE of the key figures in the history of Darwen FC has come to the aid of the club in their search for memorabilia for a new book.

Bert Proos was the mascot for arguably the most famous game in the Anchormen's history -- an FA Cup tie against Arsenal in 1932. Now Bert has said publishers of a new book detailing Darwen's first 125 years can use his mementos of the day.

Bert, who was just seven years old when he led the side out at Highbury, still has the original programme and newspaper articles and newsreel detailing both the build-up to the match and the day itself.

His belongings hold mixed memories for Bert. He said the day was one of the best of his life but the result still leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. The Arsenal side in 1932 were what Manchester United are today. They were in the middle of winning the league for three successive seasons and at one point had 10 of the 11 England players.

"We were 8-0 down at half-time and ended up getting beat 11-1. Among the goalscorers that day was Cliff Bastin, who until very recently was Arsenal's record goalscorer when Ian Wright overtook him."

Bert, 76, who lives at Bull Hill Farm, Darwen, said he would be more than happy to let the Nelson-based publishers use the material he has but added he would never part with them.

"Sure, the club can use them as it was their biggest ever day, but they mean too much to me to let them go.

"The memories of that day are still fresh in my mind like it happened last weekend."

The book is provisionally titled Darwen FC - The First 125 Years.

The club are particularly looking for items from the 1930s and the 1970s as much of what they had gathered was destroyed in a fire at the Anchor Ground 12 years ago. Club chairman Kath Marah said: "This is fantastic news, Bert's artefacts will prove very important."